How to Restore and Protect Jewelry from Tarnish and Fading
ProtectaClear is ideal to protect jewelry and your skin too.
We know that copper, brass and silver jewelry is gorgeous, however it can be frustrating when then jewelry loses its luster to oxidation, tarnish and wear. For those who are prone to metal allergies: Great News! ProtectaClear also makes your jewelry hypoallergenic.
Join the thousands of jewelry designers, manufacturers and owners that use ProtectaClear to protect jewelry. Our coating ensures that jewelry can be enjoyed and hassle-free. ProtectaClear is a skin-safe, anti-tarnish clear coating, that is practically invisible, and will protect your jewelry from tarnish, oxidation and fading.
Jewelry Protected with ProtectaClear®
Stop Skin Allergies with ProtectaClear
Solve the issue of skin allergies by sealing your jewelry with ProtectaClear.​ Jewelry can darken the skin for a number of reasons. So many jewelry designers and manufacturers are using less expensive metals these days which often creates tarnish, fingerprints and skin discoloration. Many people are allergic to nickel and have a problem with jewelry made with nickel. ProtectaClear will seal the metal and allow people to wear nickel jewelry without the allergic reactions.
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Causes of Skin Allergies by Jewelry:
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Your body chemistry can react with jewelry, especially due to sulfur, amino acids in sweat, leading to discoloration. Medications like antibiotics or chemotherapy can also alter your body's chemistry.
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Acidity in your body can turn silver and gold jewelry green, especially in hot, humid weather. Oxidation causes this reaction with silver, tarnishing it. Gold mixed with metals like silver, copper, or nickel can also lead to skin discoloration.
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Copper jewelry may cause a green discoloration to your skin due to your metabolism. Chelated copper deposits react to your body chemistry and give your skin a green stain.
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Inexpensive jewelry containing nickel can also cause green skin. While nickel isn't harmful in small amounts, it can trigger allergic reactions in some, leading to red, itchy skin alongside discoloration. The CDC estimates that 20% of people are allergic to nickel.
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Tarnished jewelry can darken your skin, especially when cosmetics like creams and lotions accelerate tarnishing. Certain chemicals in cosmetics may cause abrasion on metal jewelry, leaving tiny particles on clothes and skin, leading to darkening.
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Sterling silver, on the other hand, is 7.5% copper. However, this does not give the skin a green stain. Instead, it causes a black stain because of the tarnishing of the metal.
METAL CLAY JEWELRY
Metal clay is a unique, moldable material made of tiny metal particles mixed with a binder and water. When shaped and fired (heated at high temperatures), the binder burns away, leaving solid metal. Artists and jewelry makers love it because it can be molded and textured easily, allowing for detailed and intricate designs.
Once you've made a piece with silver, copper, or bronze metal clay, it can tarnish over time due to exposure to air and moisture. ProtectaClear will protect your beautiful and unique pieces from tarnish and wear. We have many jewelry creators who use ProtectaClear to protect metal clay jewelry.
I recently got into precious metal clay and was looking for a way to protect my pieces from wear and oxidation. I found ProtectaClear and it’s been amazing! Easy to apply and leaves a beautiful finish.
~ Elleot C. - Comstock Park MI
BEADED JEWELRY
ProtectaClear is a popular choice for stiffening beaded jewelry, especially for delicate pieces like fringe earrings or intricate beadwork. When applied to beadwork, it creates a protective layer that helps maintain the shape and structure of the design and also helps protect beads from wear. The crystal clear coating can be applied in various ways, such as spraying, dipping, or brushing, allowing for precise control over the level of stiffness desired. A thin, even coat of ProtectaClear can significantly enhance the overall durability and appearance of beaded jewelry.
"Jewelry makers usually use floor wax. But Jill Wiseman did a video on your product so I decided to give it a try. Sooooo much nicer than floor wax. I was very pleased with the results. It didn't change the color of my beads and the sparkle came through! " ~Michelle M. Olive Branch, MS
"Great service and Protectaclear works fabulously to stiffen my beadwork and protect my metal. ~ Esther Marker Trivandrum, Kerala, India "
WIRE WRAPPED JEWELRY
Wire-wrapped jewelry involves creating jewelry by wrapping metal wires around gemstones, beads, or other wires to form intricate designs. Because these pieces are often made with metals like silver, copper, and brass, they easily tarnish very quickly. Tarnishing happens when these metals react with air, moisture, or skin oils, causing them to darken or discolor. ProtectaClear can be applied as an invisible protective coating to keep wire-wrapped jewelry shiny and tarnish-free. Thousands of jewelry makers use ProtectaClear to protect their beautiful creations.
I have to admit when I first ordered your ProtectaClear I was very skeptical only due to the fact I have ordered other products that did not work like they said it would. I started by using the ProtectaClear on jewelry I made for myself. My skin is so sensitive. After wearing the jewelry for a month, I was so impressed with the results. I no longer send out any jewelry unless they have been coated with ProtectaClear - it has completely stopped the oxidation and tarnishing. I have used ProtectaClear on all my jewelry designs ranging from earrings, pendants, necklaces, steampunk, filigree, wire names, rings and brooches. My customers enjoy the fact they don't have to polish my creations! ~Shirley J. Concord, NC
"I work with recycled vintage tins & silver plated platters. I use ProtectaClear on all my pieces. It's the bomb."
Tammie E. Pensacola, FL
Jewelry Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtectaClear safe on jewelry to be worn on skin?
Yes, ProtectaClear is safe on skin and is used by many jewelry designers and jewelry manufacturers. ProtectaClear will protect the metal as well as the skin of the wearer from discoloration. ProtectaClear will make jewelry hypoallergenic. ProtectaClear is practically invisible and is used on polished metal jewelry and even jewelry with patina on it.
How does ProtectaClear make jewelry hypoallergenic?
ProtectaClear is painted onto clean jewelry and provides a protective barrier between the metal and sensitive skin. Two coats are recommended on most jewelry to ensure the metal is completely covered so even sensitive skin is protected. ProtectaClear is skin safe once cured. It is thin and completely clear and will not change the look of the jewelry.
How is ProtectaClear different than clear nail polish?
Nail polish is a lacquer and does not have the protective properties of ProtectaClear. ProtectaClear has antioxidants in it to prevent tarnish as well as protecting skin from allergies. ProtectaClear is skin-safe once it is cured and is much longer lasting than nail polish for protecting jewelry and skin.
Can I use ProtectaClear on my jewelry with Patina?
Yes, ProtectaClear will look great with patinas like Liver of Sulfur and other patinas also. Just solvent wipe and apply ProtectaClear to protect the patina.
Can ProtectaClear be used on Stones or Minerals?
Yes, ProtectaClear can be used on stones and minerals and will enhance the look. However, delicate gems like pearls or opals should not be coated with anything. Also, coating soft plastic beads or non-metallic stringing material is not recommended. If needed, ProtectaClear can be removed if necessary with a Q-tip using a solvent such as Xylene.
Can ProtectaClear be used on Filigree Jewelry?
Yes, you can dip the jewelry or use an aerosol can of ProtectaClear to coat filigree jewelry. If the filigree is very tight, you can just blow it gently to break the surface tension of the coating so it adheres to the metal. Some people use canned air to blow out the coating from tiny holes.
Can ProtectaClear ruin my jewelry?
No, ProtectaClear is completely reversible. The coating can be soaked off or wiped off with a solvent like xylene or acetone without harming the metal or stones.
ProtectaClear will:
· Stop tarnish and oxidation on jewelry
· Preserve Patinas from discoloring and wearing off
· Protect plated metals from wearing off
· Seal metal and stop skin discoloration and allergies
ProtectaClear is easy to apply but is tough enough to protect jewelry and is safe for wear against skin.
ProtectaClear is practically invisible once applied, dry quickly and will seal and protect jewelry from tarnish, oxidation, and corrosion.
ProtectaClear can be applied on jewelry by spraying, brushing or by dipping. Application method is up to you, as the product is so easy to use!
ProtectaClear is available as a stand-alone solution, or available in Kits with Polish.
Directions for Coating Jewelry with ProtectaClear
4 Basic Steps
1. Polish if Necessary 2. Neutralize if Acid is Used 3. Solvent Wipe 4. Apply Coating
PREPARATION
NEW or METAL WITH PATINA
Solvent wipe the metal with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, xylene or denatured alcohol to remove any traces of residue. This step needs to be done immediately before coating. Do NOT dilute or rinse the solvent. This step will ensure a completely clean and dry surface. Skipping this step will result in poor adhesion of the coating.
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Test a small area first. Solvent will NOT remove most forms of tarnish or patina.
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TARNISHED or OXIDIZED METAL
1. Polish or buff the surface to the luster desired with any metal polish you prefer (we recommend Midas Touch Polish). The metal can also be sanded or simply cleaned to desired appearance.
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2. Neutralize. THIS STEP CAN BE SKIPPED IF USING POLISHES THAT ARE NOT ACID BASED.
Midas Touch Polish does not contain acid, however many polishes do, check ingredient list for any type of acid. If you are unsure, complete this step.
Use EZ Prep Cleaner & Neutralizer in a 1:4 solution with water OR 1 cup baking soda mixed with 1 gallon of water. Dip or wash the metal with a cloth saturated with the neutralizing solution. Rinse with clean water. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent spotting.
3. Solvent wipe the metal with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, xylene or denatured alcohol to remove any traces of residue. This step needs to be done immediately before coating. Do NOT dilute or rinse the solvent. This step will ensure a completely clean and dry surface. Skipping this step will result in poor adhesion of the coating.
The article to be coated must be scrupulously clean and dry. Preparation is very important. If you try to take shortcuts on preparation, you will likely not achieve the intended results and may need to remove the coating and start again. ProtectaClear can be removed with solvents like xylene.
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APPLICATION OF COATING
Personal Protection: Nitrile or chemical resistant gloves are needed to protect your hands (Rubber gloves will get sticky). If spraying any coating, eye protection and good ventilation is recommended. Apply the coating to a completely dry surface. Warming the metal with heat gun or hair dryer will help ensure metal is dry. Allow metal to cool before coating.
1. Pour the coating into clean, dry, metal or glass pan. Do not use plastic as the solvent can melt plastic. After you are finished coating, uncontaminated coating can be poured back into the can. Clean off the threads of the can before screwing the lid back on. This will help the lid from sticking.
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2. For application, use a natural-bristled brush, sponge-brush aerosol can, or sprayer. Items can also be dipped into the coating. For chains or other intricate items, spraying is the best application. DO NOT DILUTE COATING.
Brushing: Lay your items on foil and brush ProtectaClear on with a natural-bristle brush or a sponge-brush. Gently glide the brush over the surface without getting too much excess on the foil below. After an hour you can apply the 2nd coat. If you want to coat the other side of the piece, wait at least 2 hours before turning it over to coat the other side (use a new piece of foil to coat the other side on to avoid any wet coating sticking to the dry side) We recommend coating the “back side” of the piece first.
Dipping: You can insert an unbent uncoated paper clip through the eye of your jewelry piece to dip it. Dip the piece in the coating, and then pull it up. Let the coating drip for a few seconds. It is helpful to have a small "artist's paintbrush" to brush off the excess coating that may gather at the bottom and around the hanger. Hang the item to dry where it isn't touching anything else and have a piece of foil or something under it in case it drips. Make sure to check the item after a couple of minutes, to see if any excess coating has gathered at the bottom. Once the piece has dried for at least an hour, and is dry to the touch, you can apply the 2nd coat. Dip the item, smooth out the excess, and let it dry. Spraying: Hang the item and spray. You should be 5-6 inches away when spraying. Do not over spray, a quick pass is sufficient for each coat. Apply 2nd coat after 1st coat is dry to the touch, at least an hour.
3. Observe the coating while applying: if the coating separates or does not look completely smooth, STOP and re-clean the surface. Other chemicals present on the surface can cause separation and need to be removed completely.
4. Let the coating dry completely. It will self-level as it dries. If you see an area you missed, let it dry and then coat over the missed area. ProtectaClear is self-annealing; meaning the second coat will become part of the first coat. Wait at least one hour between coats or until the previous coat is completely dry.
CURE TIME: Under normal circumstances & with good ventilation, the coating will be fully cured after 4- 5 days. The coating will be delicate until it is fully cured. You can shorten cure time by gently heating the coating AFTER it is dry to the touch. Dry, coated items placed in a low temperature oven (160°F -180°F) for 1 hour will be cured. Coating MUST be cured before prolonged contact with other surfaces.
AFTER CARE: Do NOT use solvent based cleaners or abrasives to clean coated metal. Do not use cleaners with “petroleum distillates”. Suggested cleaners: Windex, mild soap & water or similar mild cleaners.